§ 51. Brigadier-General CHARTERISasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the relatively small military garrison at Malta and the need for economy, he is prepared to consider the reduction, either in grade or in numbers, of the military administrative and departmental staffs, which according to the Army List includes seven full colonels for a garrison of only one battalion of infantry, one company of Royal Army Service Corps, one company of Royal Engineers, one signal section, and seven batteries of artillery?
§ Captain KINGAlthough only one infantry battalion is stationed in Malta at the moment, the normal infantry garrison is at least three battalions, and having regard to this fact and to the importance of the station, it is not considered that any general alteration in the number or grading of the administrative and departmental staff is justified.
§ Brigadier-General CHARTERISMay I ask whether the hon. and gallant Gentleman considers that, even with a garrison of three battalions, it is right that there should be a paymaster of the same rank as the paymaster at Aldershot?
§ Captain KINGThat is what is inferred in the answer which I have just given.